In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer, not just for medical procedures, but for the intricate web of services surrounding them. Brazilian startup Carecode has recently stepped into the spotlight with a vision to harness this potential, leveraging AI agents to streamline essential tasks such as appointment scheduling and confirmations that are traditionally handled by call centers.

Carecode’s mission is clear: to slash healthcare costs and boost medical outcomes by focusing on the crucial interactions that occur before and after a patient's visit to the doctor. CEO Thomaz Srougi emphasizes this point, noting his extensive experience in the healthcare realm: “We tend to think that only the moment with the doctor matters, but after ten years in healthcare, I’ve realized that the moments surrounding the appointment are just as vital.”

Srougi, who hails from a family of medical practitioners, isn't a doctor himself but brings valuable experience from his previous venture, Dr. Consulta. This startup successfully raised $168 million and established itself as a significant player in private medical services. With Carecode's pre-seed round netting a hefty $4.3 million, notable investors such as Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), QED, Endeavor Catalyst, and prominent figures from Brazil’s tech scene, including Nubank's founder David Vélez, have thrown their support behind Srougi’s latest endeavor.

Although the venture capital landscape in Latin America is currently facing challenges—often termed a "startup winter"—Carecode's funding success highlights that well-established entrepreneurs still attract interest from major investors. Srougi credits his seasoned co-founder, Pedro Magalhães, a former CTO at various startups, for further solidifying their appeal to venture capitalists during uncertain times.

Carecode's early trials with unnamed partners show promising results, indicating that their AI agents can potentially replace traditional healthcare call centers at a greatly reduced cost. What's more, these AI solutions can preemptively fill canceled appointments, allowing human staff to focus on more complex patient needs.

Another key aspect of Carecode's approach is its dedication to accessibility. In Brazil, many older and low-income individuals frequently use WhatsApp for communication, making it essential for Carecode to incorporate text and audio messaging into its services. This localization strategy sets Carecode apart from U.S. counterparts, such as Sierra, an AI startup co-founded by Bret Taylor.

Moreover, Carecode stands out by adopting a vertical-focused strategy in a market that spends a staggering 50% of revenue—approximately $100 billion annually—on contact centers and administrative payroll within healthcare. QED’s partner and head of Brazil, Camila Vieira Fernandes, supports this approach, explaining that a vertical concentration can lead to superior results and enhanced customer experiences while addressing nuanced market needs.

The road ahead appears bright for Carecode, which has plans to eventually diversify into related sectors, such as insurance and financial services tied to healthcare. Srougi notes, “We want to tap into payments and financing. Everything derives from healthcare,” suggesting a holistic vision for the startup's growth.

As Carecode continues to develop its innovative AI solutions, the startup could potentially redefine the patient experience in healthcare, providing faster, more efficient services that free up medical professionals to focus on delivering quality care. The future looks promising for this groundbreaking venture, and the healthcare industry may never be the same.